When the original settlers came to America, there wasn’t a lot of options to quench their thirst. Vineyards tended not to do well (thanks to climate and soil), barley and hops hadn’t been mastered in the new world, and imported spirits were wildly comparative when available. What was available though, was apples. Always the resourceful […]
Looking for that extra special something to bring your Valentine’s Day over the top? A romantic cocktail can help set the mood and put the evening over the top. And just in time for Valentine’s Day are our Love Potions. Styled after Tiki drinks with levels – like the Painkiller and Bastards – the Love […]
One of the best things about traveling is the opportunity to try new places and ingredients. On a trip to Dot Dot Dot in Charlotte, NC last year I had the opportunity to try a cocktail featuring an ingredient called Cappelletti. My first exposure was in a drink made by Britt Clark, Few of My […]
Sometimes an ingredient is just inspiring. During a recent tasting of the wine-based amaro Cardamaro, it occurred to me how the sweetness, spice, and candied fruit flavors might play well with the spicy notes in bourbon or rye. Tinkering with a Manhattan style template, the Card Trick was born. Card Trick Card Trick 2 […]
You’d be forgiven for seeing Cardamaro and assuming it was a cardamom flavored liqueur. In fact, this wine based amaro is based off relatives of the artichoke (cardoon and blessed thistle). This gives it an herbal background and plenty of spicing rounds it out. As it’s wine based, it’s more acidity forward, making it a […]
When it comes to bourbon over the past year – there’s been no substitute on our bar for Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. This no age statement bourbon delivers solid bourbon for a good price. In the mid-$20 price point, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon comes from Heaven Hill Distillery. This same group also makes […]
From the first episode, I was hooked. It was late into the night, after midnight, but Anthony Bourdain was gracing my television from Ireland. He talked of the food, the culture, and the people. He talked of how Dublin was growing, and dined with famous chefs. Wanting nothing more than to find amazing food and […]
Sauza Silver Tequila is not labeled as a 100% Blue Agave tequila. As far as Tequila goes there’s both 100% blue agave and the other stuff, mixto. No tequila company is going go out of the way to tell you they’ve made a mixto, and for good reason. Let’s start with how tequila is made. […]
Perhaps you’ve been a bit naughty this year, or know someone who is. There’s nothing more fitting for your naughty friend or self than a drink. To celebrate, we’ve crafted A Lump of Coal to delight you and your guests. Christmas Cocktails 2019 – A Lump of Coal A Lump of Coal 1 oz […]
Odds are good if you’ve hung out in a cocktail bar, you’ve seen a sea glass green bottle with a rather oblong shape sitting on the shelf. Plymouth Gin is produced by one of the oldest distilleries in the world, Black Friars Distilleries. The name Plymouth is actually a geographical regulation for gin produced in […]
The final of the 3 rums we bought to enjoy on vacation – Plantation XO 20th Anniversary was a rum to indulge in on the trip. To honor their Master Blender, Plantation started this rum in ex-Bourbon barrels for 8 – 15 years, before sailing it across the Atlantic to be aged in french oak […]
Few liquors are as hyped as Tito’s Vodka is. But does it live up to the hype? So what exactly is Tito’s Vodka? Tito’s Vodka is a pot still vodka made from 100% American corn. This sentence in and of itself is a bit odd. Most vodka is column distilled – requiring less labor. […]